Popular Mechanics

I liked how this story parallels the biblical passage from Solomon, in some ways. In other ways, however, it seems to carry a different ending. In Solomon, the true parent of a child is determined after the threat of cutting it in two. One woman gives in and says the other may have it, the one who speaks up is the true mother. In this story, there doesn't exist a true parent. I feel like this story is meant to emphasize a flaw in humanity, our reaction to instinct and inability to give in, even at the risk of injuring others. The two parents clearly do not want to give in to each other. It is in my opinion, that the child is eventually injured, because the events of the fight escalate in such a way that there seems to be no stopping point. Although the child is crying aloud, the parents can only think of beating the other. In this way, one common human characteristic is displayed, though a negative one it may be. I feel the point of this story then, is to show just what can happen if we react without thought or care for others.